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Devil's Bane: Tales of a Fourth Grade Warrior
Josh Campbell is not a normal kid. His dad fights monsters, his mom might not be entirely human, and he seems to be a magnet for dangerous creatures. He’s nine years old and just wants to play soccer and hang out with his best friend...but the world has different plans.
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2020
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Ken MacGregor
97 books68 followersKen MacGregor’s short stories have appeared in dozens of anthologies, magazines and podcasts. One of his stories was nominated for the Micro Award. Ken is a member in good standing of The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers and an Affiliate member of HWA. He lives in Michigan with his family.He can be found on Facebook (Ken MacGregor - Author), Amazon and at ken-macgregor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 23, 2020
Well! From page one I was drawn into this fantastical story. You don't have to wait for it to get interesting! It's one of those books you don't want to put down but you also don't want to finish reading it because you want it to last forever. It may be geared to a younger audience but as an older adult, I enjoyed everything about it: the story line, the wisdom and development of the characters, the wit, the twists and turns... everything adds up to a great summer read, or actually any time at all. Looking forward to a sequel. This would be a great book for a parent to read with a child because there is much to examine and discuss. That shared experience is priceless.
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June 12, 2020Not reviewing this title as I published it.
September 30, 2020
A great page turner and totally appropriate as a YA or even elementary age read (and for those of us adults who rather stay with this level of 'horror.)
The child is strong, and has great parents who are also stronger than most.
It's about so much more than good vs evil and hunter monsters. It's about caring, compassion, role models, love, and who your real friends are.
I hope there are more tales like this or with this character in the works.
The child is strong, and has great parents who are also stronger than most.
It's about so much more than good vs evil and hunter monsters. It's about caring, compassion, role models, love, and who your real friends are.
I hope there are more tales like this or with this character in the works.
September 10, 2023
Devil’s Bane by Ken MacGregor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At age 9, most children are enjoying new sports or hobbies, spending time with friends, and going to the movies. Josh Campbell is not “most” 9 year olds. While his dad fights monsters, Josh is training to be a monster hunter as well. When tragedy strikes, Josh is faced with the decision to become a monster hunter or pay the ultimate sacrifice for his family.
This book was phenomenal and I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down at all. This book was geared more towards a YA audience, however, if you love a good monster fighting story, any age will be beyond satisfied in reading the story.
I loved how the story pulled me in immediately. The explaining of the different monsters, to the details of how to train to be a monster fighter, and the character building were amazing. I was so impressed with the research the author did about different monsters (I am a little bias of the Hodag being my favorite as I am from Wisconsin 😊). Beginning, middle, and end of the book flowed together perfectly. The friends, foes, and everyone throughout the story were entwined perfectly together and I was genuinely very impressed at it all. The ending of the book was amazing and I am so happy that I was able to review this book.
I honestly don’t think I have read a YA focused book and enjoyed it as much as I did for this book. I really hope there are more books made surrounding this story because I would be getting them all in a heartbeat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At age 9, most children are enjoying new sports or hobbies, spending time with friends, and going to the movies. Josh Campbell is not “most” 9 year olds. While his dad fights monsters, Josh is training to be a monster hunter as well. When tragedy strikes, Josh is faced with the decision to become a monster hunter or pay the ultimate sacrifice for his family.
This book was phenomenal and I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down at all. This book was geared more towards a YA audience, however, if you love a good monster fighting story, any age will be beyond satisfied in reading the story.
I loved how the story pulled me in immediately. The explaining of the different monsters, to the details of how to train to be a monster fighter, and the character building were amazing. I was so impressed with the research the author did about different monsters (I am a little bias of the Hodag being my favorite as I am from Wisconsin 😊). Beginning, middle, and end of the book flowed together perfectly. The friends, foes, and everyone throughout the story were entwined perfectly together and I was genuinely very impressed at it all. The ending of the book was amazing and I am so happy that I was able to review this book.
I honestly don’t think I have read a YA focused book and enjoyed it as much as I did for this book. I really hope there are more books made surrounding this story because I would be getting them all in a heartbeat.
March 4, 2023
Monsters live only in our dreams right? Wrong! Josh has the ultimately coolest dad ever. He fights monsters. You see Josh's family isn't a normal family and one day Josh will be a monster hunter as well. Tragedy strikes the family as Josh has to make the decision to do what is right, or to accept a lucrative deal to make everything in his family alright again. To say I loved this story is an understatement. I was drawn in from the first page and loved the tales of Josh's journey. The author transports you to the story and you feel the emotions of the characters throughout the story. Though this is geared to the YA audience I would recommend it to anyone that wants a fast paced emotional read.
I was provided a copy of this story and am happily leaving a review for the authors amazing work.
I was provided a copy of this story and am happily leaving a review for the authors amazing work.
July 9, 2020
This was a wonderful elementary and middle grade reader. As the blurb on the book says, his dad fights monsters. So revealing that the author's spin on mythological creatures is quite new and refreshing. There are some that aren't so nice and some that can be worked with. However, life sometimes is the hardest monster to face. The emotional parts of growing up for a kid taking on so much are beautifully handled and feel real. Overall, a great family read!
February 18, 2024
Loved this story of a 10 year old monster fighter. This is a great book for young and older readers. I would like to read more about these characters.
I bought this for my grandson after I read it. He was 9 at the time and was too intimidated to read it. He doesn’t like spooky things much at all and prefers books that are funny and have pictures. Similar to The Wimpy Kid. Well it’s 2-17-24 , almost a year later, and I just got a text from his mom he decided to try it and went through it in just a few days and wants more like it. I don’t see any others like this from MacGregor. If you have any recommendations for a 10 year old along this line I’d love to get them for him.
I bought this for my grandson after I read it. He was 9 at the time and was too intimidated to read it. He doesn’t like spooky things much at all and prefers books that are funny and have pictures. Similar to The Wimpy Kid. Well it’s 2-17-24 , almost a year later, and I just got a text from his mom he decided to try it and went through it in just a few days and wants more like it. I don’t see any others like this from MacGregor. If you have any recommendations for a 10 year old along this line I’d love to get them for him.
February 28, 2023
This is a refreshing adventure/ horror Young Adult story.
Book Description
Josh Campbell is not a normal kid. His dad fights monsters, his mom might not be entirely human, and he seems to be a magnet for dangerous creatures.
The writing style captures the reader from the beginning cover to the end cover. The development and banter of the characters give a natural flare. This story is a coming of age story which involves the passing of the baton from father to son.
Triggers yes
Book Description
Josh Campbell is not a normal kid. His dad fights monsters, his mom might not be entirely human, and he seems to be a magnet for dangerous creatures.
The writing style captures the reader from the beginning cover to the end cover. The development and banter of the characters give a natural flare. This story is a coming of age story which involves the passing of the baton from father to son.
Triggers yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
Excellent read. A blend of action and emotion, I couldn’t put it down!
January 22, 2021
Quick read, full of action. Written for teens, but I enjoyed it as an adult. Good story with valuable lessons.
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June 12, 2020Not reviewing this title as I published it.
April 25, 2023
The best fantasy book for younger readers! Excellent, fun, and moving story. Sucks you in and pulls you along. Needs a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews